Image: L. Gomes / PML / Kevin Bernt, 15, was inspired by YouTube videos to start his own car detailing business.

By Laurice Gomes

Teen Business

He’ll do the dirty work: Chilliwack teen launches thriving car detailing business

Jul 20, 2022 | 4:50 PM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack teen is cleaning up with a business venture he started this spring.

Kevin Bernt, who is 15 years old, is ambitious, humble, and hardworking—he is now also an entrepreneur.

“I just saw a bunch of videos on YouTube, and it inspired me to do it,” the teen said, referring to his car detailing business—Kevin’s Auto Care.

Kevin’s mother, Julia Bernt, said her son had asked for an unusual birthday present back in March.

“I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he said I want a Shop-Vac because I want to start my own business,” mom said, recalling the moment she and her husband discovered their son’s entrepreneurial spirit.

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Image: L. Gomes / PML / Kevin with his mom, Julia Bernt.

Kevin’s parents obliged and bought him his first Shop-Vac for his birthday; nevertheless, mom credits her son for coming up with the idea.

“I feel great, I support him,” she said proudly. “I drive him, I do all the appointments and stuff.”

When asked why he chose the path of self-employment versus getting a summer job, without missing a beat, Kevin said the nine-to-five grind was less than appealing to him.

“I do not like it, no,” he said, shaking his head vehemently.

Kevin said he works hard at keeping his clientele happy, and once the keys are in his hands, the vehicle has his undivided attention.

Image: L. Gomes / PML / The 15-year-old entrepreneur is currently working on making business cards.

“I vacuum the inside, spray, make it like new, make the car smell nice,” he said. “If they want the exterior, I do that too.”

As Kevin stood in the driveway, making a Tesla sparkle to perfection—the owner, Mika Bohgan, sang his praises.

“The first time he couldn’t do the outside of the car because it started to rain,” Bohgan said. “But he did such a great job inside, detailing the car—it was honestly like our car had come back better than brand new, and so we asked him to come back on a sunny day, and here he is doing his work and it looks fantastic.”

Image: L. Gomes / PML / Kevin detailing Bohgan’s Tesla.

Bohgan, a business owner in the car world herself, said she and her husband would make a place for Kevin in their business, should he choose to be a part of it.

Kevin’s dream cars are a Ford GT and a Ford Raptor; the teen further remarked that he is offering free detailing on Ford Raptors.

“I have liked the truck for many years,” he said. “I’d be happy just detailing it.”

The young entrepreneur is currently working on business cards and said he is saving for a car and car insurance.

Anyone looking to make a car detailing appointment with Kevin can call 604-791-8759.